[Malachai Constant]

Just got back from our Arizona Trip, will put in some other reports later. We took the whole family on a trip to the caverns on Friday. Sorry Tom, no pictures after a few Tourons got over excited and damaged some formations. Tip, make reservations ahead, we did not and I had to drive from Tucson at 6:00 AM to get walk-in tickets then back to pick everyone up. The caves are a constant 68 degrees year round so not special clothing is needed. It was worth it however. There are two tours available the Throne/Rotunda room and Big room. We took the Big Room Tour, which just opened in November and is now as of Sunday closed due to pregnant bats and will not open until September. The caves are more interesting than any I have ever seen because they are kept in "virgin" condition. You enter through multiple airlocks with misting and air currents to decontaminate you. There are no colored lights and the areas are only lit when you are present. The result is that very delicate formations such as soda straws and helicites are still present. It is an active cave and formations are still being formed. It is quite extraordinary and different from any other "tourist" cave I have ever been at.

[hikerjo]

Cool. I visited the caves about two months ago. We went on the Big Room tour. Thats a fascinating place.

[marta]

Thanks for the report. I'm definitely going to make it next trip to Arizona. We still didn't make it during on trip in March.

[Tom]

I had the chance to visit a couple years ago. Not having been in many caverns before, I didn't know if it was anything special. I just remember the tour guide telling everyone not to touch anything. Don't think you could bring a camera back then either.

[hikerjo]

Our guide like to talk about Ape Caves near Mt. Rainier.

[MooseAndSquirrel]

Turn off the lights and they're all the same anyway. The Ape Caves are cool- except when lava was runnin' thru 'em.